Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Requests Federal Assistance for Missouri Farm Families
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt sent a letter to Mike Johanns, secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, requesting 9 counties be declared natural disaster areas for agricultural loss due to storm and flood damage.
“Missouri farm families are facing costly repairs and loss of income as they continue to recover from September’s severe weather,” Blunt said. “It is vital that the state and federal government do all we can to assist our farm families during this difficult time.”
Missouri farmers in Southeast Missouri counties were adversely impacted by severe weather in late September, and based upon findings by the Missouri Farm Service Agency meet the established criteria of 30 percent or greater agricultural loss in order to be eligible for federal assistance.
Blunt has requested that Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Ripley, and Stoddard Counties be declared natural disaster areas in order to ensure that Missouri farm families impacted by the severe weather are eligible for emergency low interest loans.
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View copy of Gov. Blunt's letter to Sec. Johanns